Youth Livestock Conference

The Illinois 4-H Junior Livestock Conference is a fun-filled overnight weekend event that is open to any 4-H member in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. This program provides leadership and team building activities as well as exciting hands-on opportunities built around the science and disciplines of livestock production and exhibition. Through the use of hands-on stations, participants will "glove-up" and explore the science of artificial insemination, dissection, suturing techniques, biosecurity, wound dressing, injection technique, carcass assembly, and much more. Participants will also engage in a livestock skillathon, quiz bowl, and learn about social media marketing. This conference is hosted by the State 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team.

REGISTER by December 17, 2018 using the link to the right.

OPEN to 4-H youth in 7th, 8th, & 9th grade

COST is $165 per participant, includes hotel, participant t-shirt, Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast, snacks, and all workshop materials.

ARRIVE by 10 AM Saturday, Jan. 26

DEPART by 11:30 AM Sunday, Jan. 27

Counties Supplementing Costs: If your county is supplementing the cost of your youth to attend, youth should select “county paying part of registration” when they register. County staff MUST contact Carla Blue (blue1@illinois.edu) as early as possible. County staff should collect any partial payments from the youth and deposit locally, then work with Carla to coordinate the transfer of funds for the youth.

Cancellations & Refunds must be received in writing to Carla @ blue1@illinois.edu. Requests received before December 17 will receive a full refund. Requests received from December 17 – January 11 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after January 11.

Here are a few of the “Glove-up” workshops we think you’ll enjoy:

“Marvelous Medics”

Youth Assemble! Help us unmask the possibilities of vet science in the Marvelous Medics workshop! Become a lifesaver as we learn how to dissect, inject, and get your Suture-Senses tingling! By the time you leave you’ll be able to stitch, vaccinate, and see your way well enough to save any damsels day!

“What Makes a Super Animal?”

Come discover the parts that gives super animals their power. Participants will get hands-on experience revolving around meat production. Individuals will get a chance to glove up and get into the cooler to explore a variety of different cuts. Use your X-ray vision with the help of ultrasound to see inside the super animals and “Super-Suit” up to end this session by competing against your peers. Here you will gain more power to fuel your super brains about the meat science industry.

“Becoming Incredible”

Glove up and power up as you learn the basic of breeding and genetics. We will start with learning about the multiple gadgets that you use in the barn for artificial insemination. Our adventure then takes us under the microscope to view the early stages of life while simulating embryo transfer and in-vitro fertilization!

“Saving the Day, the Social Media Way”

Save the livestock industry in the social media world with a jam-packed session about the proper way to promote animal science and 4-H to the general public. You will leave knowing how to respond to questions that families or reporters may have while walking through the barn at the fair. Learn the appropriate ways to use social media to promote not only the industry as a whole, but also your individual farm.